Britain is famously a nation of dog-lovers. The Dog’s Trust survey found that over a third of UK households have welcomed a dog into their family. Even Monty Don designed his very first Chelsea Flower Show garden with canine companions in mind.
Whilst Monty focused on dog-friendly plants, a dandelion lawn, and a water feature to wallow in, what about dog-proof garden furniture?
When it comes to outdoor seating, we fur-parents want something dogs will enjoy, not destroy – and that still looks gorgeous when we host a summer party.
I want to relax without wincing at every pawprint and claw mark, so here’s what I look for when choosing dog-proof garden furniture.
5 essential features of pet-friendly outdoor furniture
1. Wipeable and easy to clean
Living with a dog means accepting a few muddy pawprints and the inevitable trail of moulting fur. But don’t resign yourself to scruffy-looking garden furniture. With stain-resistant, wipe-clean fabric, your garden sofa will still be inviting to guests – human ones included!
I’ve been a dog-owner all my life, so the fabric I use for Armadillo Sun garden sofas and outdoor cushions is a premium performance material. It is inherently stain-resistant and does not absorb water. This makes it easy to wipe clean and quick to dry – even when faced with the drooliest of dogs!
2. Tough (but still luxurious)
Let’s be honest, very little can withstand determined canine chewing. But garden furniture should be robust enough to cope with scrabbling claws (and the occasional visiting grandchild!)
Armadillo Sun garden furniture is made from marine-grade luxury fabric. It looks elegant but is seriously tough. No delicate pretentiousness here!
3. Snag-proof
Mesh fabrics on garden furniture can look sleek and contemporary… until your dog hops up for a cuddle and gets their claws caught.
Even neatly clipped claws can snag in a loose weave. Far better to choose a tightly woven fabric – kinder to paws (and to your nerves!)
4. Soft and comfortable
Technically, a stone bench is dog-proof... but it doesn’t invite a cuddle in the sunshine with your favourite pooch. Outdoor fabric furniture, on the other hand, is soft, squashy, and perfect for sprawling on. When it’s filled with beans too – like all the outdoor furniture at Armadillo Sun – it moulds around you and your four-legged companion for the kind of big, comfy cuddle you’ll never want to get up from.
5. Easy to move into the shade
With hotter summers, keeping your dog cool is essential (unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat efficiently and can overheat quickly.) On a sunny day, being able to pull a chair into the shade makes all the difference in enjoying a sit in the garden with your dog.
An Armadillo Sun bean bag chair is light enough to move easily, yet generously sized for both human and hound. Even large luxury sunloungers are simple to shift one-handed – perfect for stretching out on a warm afternoon with a book and your canine best friend.
Bonus: winter covers
When you’re not using your garden furniture, especially in winter, save yourself the springtime clean-up by covering it up. Armadillo Sun’s fitted furniture covers stay in place through wind, rain, and curious snuffling noses.
Outdoor furniture: recommended by dogs and their humans
If Monty and his dog Ned asked me to furnish his dog garden, here's what I'd recommend:
🐶 Bean Bag Lounger – the best for a dog-snooze
Squashy, warm, and easy to get in and out of – for people and dogs alike. When not being lounged on, it’s light enough to hang up by the handle out of the way – especially useful if your pet has a habit of dragging cushions across the lawn.
Just make sure you get two, otherwise you won't get a look-in (dogs always claim the best seat!)
🐶 Garden Sofa Corner Chair – perfect for a cosy snuggle
Roomy enough for a proper snuggle-up, pop this chair in a corner and while away the hours reading and relaxing with your favourite companion.
🐶 Blue and Yellow Cushions – to add a pop of cheerful, dog-friendly colour
Dogs mainly see in blue and yellow, so add some flair to your sofa that your pooch will appreciate too!
Tips for a dog-friendly garden
A few extra pointers for creating an outdoor space that you and your dog will enjoy:
- Watch out for toxic plants. Some plants and flowers can make dogs very unwell. Battersea Dogs’ Home has a helpful list.
- Keep a patch of lawn. For a low-maintenance garden we often recommend removing the grass, but dogs do appreciate somewhere to run, fetch, and go to the loo!
- Designate a digging zone. Better one flower bed sacrificed than them all!
- Embrace imperfection. Muddy pawprints and the occasional hole in the lawn comes with the territory – it's part of the charm of dog-ownership.
Armadillo Sun garden furniture is dog-tested and approved. Just take a look at our photos of happy sitters – two-legged and four-legged alike.
Be sure to claim your garden chair before your dog does! Explore our outdoor bean bags.